Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes skin to lose its pigment, resulting in patches of milky-white skin. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing skin pigment.¹ The condition often affects areas like the face, neck, hands, arms, and genitals.²

Types of Vitiligo

The most common type of vitiligo is nonsegmental vitiligo, which typically appears symmetrically on both sides of the body, such as on the hands or knees.¹ In some cases, vitiligo may lead to pigment loss across larger areas of the body. A less common type, segmental vitiligo, affects only one side of the body. For example, it may occur on just one leg, as opposed to nonsegmental vitiligo, where both legs or arms might be affected.¹

Diagnosing Vitiligo

Vitiligo can develop at any age but most commonly appears during childhood. It affects individuals of all backgrounds, though those with a family history of vitiligo or certain autoimmune conditions—such as Addison’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or type 1 diabetes—are at a higher risk.¹

Diagnosing vitiligo involves reviewing the patient’s family history and conducting a physical examination to inspect the affected skin areas. An eye exam may also be performed, as some individuals with vitiligo experience uveitis—inflammation of the eye. To further confirm the diagnosis, a skin biopsy may be done to check for the absence of melanocytes in the skin’s tissue.³

Treatment Options 

While there is no cure for vitiligo, various treatments can help repigment the skin and slow the disease’s progression. These treatments include prescription medications and creams.³

Light therapy is an effective treatment for larger areas of skin, while laser treatments are more suitable for targeting smaller patches. Depigmentation is another approach, where the unaffected areas of skin are intentionally lightened to match the white patches. This method is often recommended for individuals with widespread vitiligo (affecting more than half of the body).³

Vitiligo can also be managed through sun protection, such as wearing sunscreen and limiting sun exposure. Cosmetic options, like lotions and makeup, can be used to cover the affected areas.³

Sources

1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Overview of vitiligo. Reviewed Oct 2022. Accessed 20 Jan 2025. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo
2. MedlinePlus. Vitiligo. Updated 24 Feb 2022. Accessed 20 Jan 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/vitiligo/#synonyms
3. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Vitiligo: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take. Reviewed Oct 2022. Accessed 20 Jan 2025. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take